One Dark Fright

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes a reference to suicide as it pertains to a character in the film.

Just when you thought we'd had enough of dodging Death's icy grip, we're back to tussle once again! Yes, indeed, on this episode we're heading back into the fiery blazes to close out the cataclysmic sequel, FINAL DESTINATION 2! We survived many calamities (and possible brain bleeds) along the way as we talk possessed elevators, expository car rides, No Fear advertising, casual emergencies, crisis snack parties, and plenty more! Also on this episode, we profess our love of Rory, add...

The jack o' lanterns are sagging and the candy is gone but the Halloween spirit is year-round, so we're bringing you another dose of spooky season with the conclusion of our talk on HALLOWEEN II! We're doing what Nurse Karen fails so miserably at - putting this baby to bed (ba-dum-tss). Along the way we talk doctor labyrinths, needle deaths, unimpressive surgical weapons, Celtic rituals, boring cops, '70s medications, and plenty more! We also invoke the name of Paul Stephen Rudd, marvel at Michael's medical knowledge, continue an endless stream of wig jokes, decide if Jimmy lives or...

Spooky greetings, ghouls and gals! It's almost Halloween and we're heading back to bloody Haddonfield, IL to take another crack at taking down this masked man known as Michael Myers. That's right, we are diving into 1981's HALLOWEEN II! Along the way we're talking googly eyed masks, razor blade trauma, Datsun pickup trucks, terrifying wigs, the perfect ham sandwich, and much more! We also offer Haddonfield Memorial Hospital some staffing advice, discuss the musical changes from the first film, dig into why Loomis is off his rocker, and question whether Haddonfield is such a great place to live. Lots...

Just when you thought it was safe to tempt fate again, we're back on the scene to check out 2003’s deathly follow-up – FINAL DESTINATION 2! On this episode the mayhem is dialed to the max as we discuss the finer points of Death’s design. Along the way we talk colossal highway disasters, garbage disposal fake outs, Canadian talk shows, cushy sanitarium amenities, fish perverts, kamikaze pigeons, fire extinguisher grenades, and so much more! We also make a strange connection to the movie AIRHEADS, plus discuss our own superstitions, profess our love for Tony Todd, decide if we like these charac...

Greetings, campers! Fall is just around the corner, so One Dark Fright is back to cap off the summer with the final installment of our discussion of 1981's camp slasher sequel - FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 2! The first half of the flick was all fun and games, but now we've entered the blood-soaked second half and things are going to get a little messy. Along the way we talk casual skinny dipping, cabin hiding places, meaty severed heads, proper machete handling, jokey murder beds, edgy kills, and so much more!

We also discuss Ginny's lasting final girl...

Campers beware! Our season of sequels has officially rolled into vaunted slasher territory as we venture to the great state of New Jersey for a trip through 1981's FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 2! This one certainly holds a special place in horror history and we took a hard look at the details. Does it make sense? Not a lick! Does it matter? Nope! Along the way we discuss Alice's ineffective coping mechanisms, Jason's travel plans, body part preservation, confusing camp fashion, Crazy Ralph's cardio, and much more! We also question Paul's counselor training business plan, which season this takes place...

Ring the dinner bell, ghouls and gals, because One Dark Fright is back for seconds as we take our last bites of 1988's insatiable sequel, CRITTERS 2! Along the way we discuss engorged alien weapons, Freddy Krueger sightings, kamikaze tricycles, impromptu rhyming, small town explosives, Charlie's kid-friendly role, and so much more! We also provide a scientific name for a group of critters, discuss the physics of that giant meatball, and decide if we like this movie enough to make it a yearly Easter staple. Check it out!

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Easter festivities may be firmly in the rearview mirror but that's not going to stop us from taking a bite out of 1988's comedic sci-fi, horror, creature feature mash-up - CRITTERS 2! In this episode we set our sights on the tiny town of Grover's Bend, KS to work our way through yet another crite invasion. Along the way we discuss garbage boutique shops, unconvincing town bullies, replacement sheriffs, the always amazing Lin Shaye, intergalactic hair styles, critter reproduction, and much more! We also try to figure out what takes critter eggs two years to hatch, how the heck Charlie...

The time has come to get those shufflin' feet warmed up, horror fans, because we're back to close out 1987's supernatural slasher sequel, SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE II! This is the moment you've been waiting for and the laughs are aplenty. On this episode we're talking murderous chicken gags, explosive acne retching, aggressive police officers, unwieldy power tool weapons, and instant rigor mortis. We also direct our ire at Spotify for their limited catalogue, break down the best villain music video in horror history, decide if we prefer the sequel to the original film, and so much more! You know...

It's officially time to polish those black leather boots in the back of the closet because One Dark Fright is rocking out for this latest chapter in our season of sequels as we shimmy, dance, and shake our way through the first part of the finest driller killer follow-up - SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE II (1987)! In this episode we touch on some of the changes made from the first film to its unconventional sequel while digging through some of its unique quirks. Along the way we discuss the contents of Courtney's trauma scrapbook, Kevin Costner's connection to the film, dreamy...

Spring has sprung and the flowers are blooming, which means One Dark Fright is headed back to the bog to close out this chapter on 1989's genre-bending sequel, THE RETURN OF SWAMP THING! Along for the ride is our special guest, Danny Pompey, to once again bestow us with his wit and humor. On this episode we discuss backwoods hillbilly Heather Locklear fantasies, kid friendly plant/human sex scenes, JAWS parodies, laboratory vitamin supplements, and gratuitous pipe organs. We also ponder Swamp Thing's self-grown sexual psychedelics, Arcane's understanding of motherhood, the film's possible connection to DODGEBALL, and if Abby...

Spring is in the air, horror fans, and One Dark Fright is stepping out into nature, or perhaps more accurately, into the American bayou for an airboat ride through our latest sequel - 1989's genre mash-up, THE RETURN OF SWAMP THING! And not only that, we've got company on this voyage. That's right, on this episode we welcome our first official guest to the show - Danny Pompey! Along the way we talk security guard fashion, swamp bodybuilding, horny southern sheriffs, insurance nightmares, and of course, Heather "Shwing" Locklear. We also question what the heck they're doing in this l...

Island greetings, happy vacationers! If you thought One Dark Fright didn't survive our last marathon episode, fear not, because we're back with the final installment of our exhaustive discussion on 1998's slasher sequel, I STILL KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER! On this episode we cover the continuation of mayhem, including curious tanning bed torture, clothes dryer fixations, voodoo protection, unsatisfying villain reveals, kitchen hiding places, and smoked out landscapers. We also question the practical use of a hook-hand, dubious crisis fashion, Ray's hero quest,  potentially murderous bartenders, why the hell Estes is keeping secrets, and what these filmmakers w...

It may be the dead of winter but One Dark Fright is bringing you a dose of summer fun as our season of sequels rolls into 1998's I STILL KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER! We covered the first half of this flick top-to-bottom and (barely) lived to tell the tale, so buckle up for a crazy deep-dive into this late '90s slasher. Along the way we discuss expensive murder schemes, Freddie Prinze Jr's appeal, radio station culture, off-season resort staff etiquette, timely hurricanes, and so much more! We also try to figure out how this plot works...

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the tool shed... That's right, horror fans, One Dark Fright is back and if you thought you heard it all in the first part of our discussion of Tobe Hooper's maniacal sequel, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE PART 2 (1986), you ain't heard nothin' yet! We're here to finish this insane movie up and we're bringin' it all down. Along the way we talk romantic dinners at the Sawyer house, corpse boobs, the return of Franklin, our love for LG, cannibal property tax woes, S-C-E-X, and so much more! We also...

Does it smell like power tools in here, or is it just us?? That's right, horror fans, we're back with Season 2 of the One Dark Fright Podcast and we couldn't think of a better way to kick it off than by covering Tobe Hooper's demented sequel - THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE PART 2 (1986)! Along the way we discuss yuppy accompaniments, improper use of radio request lines, Hammer dancing, meat juice, the Sawyer family tree, rampant sexual subtext, and try to figure out what the heck is going on down in Texas. We also dig into Dennis Hopper's roots, fawn over...

It's officially 2023 and One Dark Fright is back to wrap up Season 1 with the horrifying conclusion of 1980's seasonal classic, TERROR TRAIN! On this episode we debate why there are so many off-screen kills, ponder if Alana secretly wants to join her deceased friends, question the gang's pre-med credentials, try to make sense of the killer's final reveal, revel in Doc's final moments, and finally, marvel at Kenny's magician strength. It's all the locomotive mayhem you can handle, PLUS  we pick our favorite killer costume and welcome a surprise first guest (Danny Pompey) to the show to lay down s...

'Tis the season, horror fans - bells are ringing, stockings are hung, and One Dark Fright is back with the first part of our epic conversation on the New Year's locomotive horror - TERROR TRAIN (1980)! And not only are we toasting the new year, we're also celebrating our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Twelve months of spooky fun has led to our final film discussed this calendar year, and we've got the goods. On this episode we're talking ill-begotten pranks, unfunny class clowns, bro love, sorcerer's duels, and of course, horror queen Jamie Lee Curtis. We also try to make sense...

Thanksgiving may be over but hopefully you saved some room for seconds, because the One Dark Fright crew is back with the final helping of 1984's THE MUTILATOR aka FALL BREAK! On this episode we're closing out this beachside odyssey and trying to make some sense of it all. Along the way we touch on Big Ed's "choose your murder weapon" style, sheer nightgown do's and don'ts, Pam's final girl skills, Sue's unnecessarily gruesome demise, and of course, that crazy climax. We also try to figure out how darkness works and why no one can see an inch in...

Halloween has come and gone and that can mean only one thing – Fall Break! That’s right, we’re hacking our way through 1984’s THE MUTILATOR and, man, did we have fun with this one. On this episode we discuss that amazing theme song, virgin shaming, naked slashers, deathly condo décor, clinical narcissists, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and so much more. We also marvel at some of the acting “choices” and ask the important questions, like how does Big Ed afford seasonal homes? Can you trophy hunt for a living? And why the hell is that pool so milky?! Join us!

It's Halloween, kiddos, and that can only mean one thing - murderous relatives! That's right, it's the spookiest day of the year and One Dark Fright is celebrating by finishing up our epic conversation on HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS (1995).  This one takes a serious look at what the runes actually mean, highlights some of Michael Myers' decorative craftiness,  and we also try to figure how much electricity it would take to blow up a human head. There's a lot of head-scratching and theorizing as we bring this baby to a close. Come join the Halloween fun!

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Holy Haddonfield...it's almost Halloween, kids! The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the stores are stocked with candy, which can only mean one thing - the One Dark Fright crew is on the scene with Part 1 of a special Halloween episode tackling the oft-discussed, much maligned HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS (1995)! We went all-in for this sixth installment in the vaunted franchise and lived to tell the tale. Along the way we discuss deadbeat grandpas, rescue nurses, terrifying home appliances, Smith's Grove Sanitarium's advanced Driver's Ed program, a beefier Michael Myers, and we officially induct...

Greetings, horror fiends! One Dark Fright is back with a romp through possibly the only Vietnam horror comedy in existence - 1985's HOUSE! There's so much zaniness going on in this film and we somehow packed everything into one hilarious, head-scratching episode. We're talking '80s men's sweater fashion, sexy neighbors, nighttime soap operas, murderous real estate agents, multi-dimensional house décor, and so much more! We also make every attempt to classify this movie and almost fall out of our chairs laughing at the world's greatest unproduced television show of all-time - "Resort"! Join us!

Don't f...

Greetings, weary travelers! The open road can be a dangerous place, but One Dark Fright is here to put your worries aside as we conclude our discussion on 1979's quirky supernatural horror, TOURIST TRAP! We're down to our final three survivors and things are about to get...suffocating. The journey may be coming to an end but we've still got lots of questions that need to be answered. Along the way we talk operatic mannequin breathing, slow-motion chases, Woody's undying sexual appeal, killer motivations, costume choices, tomahawk action, and of course, Chuck Connors! At the end we have a...

Summer is almost over, but never fear! One Dark Fright is here with more sweaty mayhem as we tackle some hardcore mannequin horror in part one of our deep dive into 1979's TOURIST TRAP! Along the way we talk (in)convenient costuming, skinny dipping manners, and how to stay cool when you're stranded on the side of the road with nothing but a beach chair and a bedsheet.  We also marvel at the one and only Chuck Connors! Those boyish golden locks, that business acumen, AND the charm?! He's got it all! And to top it off, he has a...

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to camp again....One Dark Fright is back with part two of our discussion on the 1983 summer slasher SLEEPAWAY CAMP!! This one really has it all - pole swallowing, killer curling irons, sweaty balls, old man rage, weightlifting,  and the worst fake mustache ever put to screen! And all of this occurs before we take a closer look at the shocking ending, try to decide who the WORST character in the movie is, and discuss who the real villain is and why this fun flick turns dark on repeat v...

Hey there, campers! It's the middle of summer and on this episode we're taking a look at all the camp hijinks, romance, and murder in 1983's slasher classic - SLEEPAWAY CAMP! On this episode we scratch our heads at the surreal opening, marvel at kooky Aunt Martha, drool over male camper fashion, and discuss the gravity of a certain side-pony. We also swoon over Ricky, talk gender-role reversal, the possibility this camp is being smothered in noxious gases, and touch on some of the unique aspects of this wacky classic. It's a really fun one - join us!
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Ok guys, it is HOT! So One Dark Fright is coming at you with part two of our incendiary conversation on 1984’s adaptation of Stephen King’s FIRESTARTER! We devote much of this episode to a certain one-eyed villain with questionable motives and a wicked judo chop. Along the way we also gush over little Drew Barrymore's cuteness, compare each of the three bad guys to unflattering retail manager cliches, decide which member of our group would wreak havoc with a fiery power, and laugh at one co-host's inability to say "Rainbird". This one really has it all - join...

Hey kids, it's officially summer! And if you think it's hot outside, then you haven't listened to our latest episode on the fiery 1984 adaptation of Stephen King's FIRESTARTER! It's a toasty one but have no fear, we're here to cool you off as we discuss all the strange goings on in this one. Along the way we talk unreasonable oven mitts, Drew Barrymore's cuteness, questionable henchmen attire, and proper lab behavior. We also marvel at how long people wear the same set of clothes in this movie, try to decipher who has what powers, and lust after David Keith's...

We're back! We couldn't leave you hanging with just one episode of '80s prom goodness, so we've returned to put a bow on HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II (1987). This one has it all - questionable bible verses, horny ghosts, horny dads, phallic carousel horses, grave-digging cardigans, exorcisms, and an ending ripped straight from CARRIE! Along the way we try to figure out just how many influences this film steals from, bid adieu to a number of characters, and then wrap up by comparing this to the original and envisioning a remake of this film. Join us!
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Prom season is winding down and we're marking the occasion with a trip back in time to one of the rare sequels that easily outshines the original - HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II! It's a nostalgic episode as we recount some of our own prom memories before diving into the madness of Hamilton High. Along the way we dig through impossible doppelganger casting, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (1984) connections, ageless hairlines, power posture, and the logistics of prom queen campaigning. We also try to figure out if anyone is "fashionable" or appropriately dressed for their age and ponder...

As promised, we're back for the second part of our deep dive into 2000's teen werewolf gem - GINGER SNAPS! In this episode we wrap up all the bloody mayhem and put a bow on this sisterly tale once and for all. Along the way we debate the appropriateness of milk at the dinner table, murderous mothers, frozen teenagers, the sex appeal of a rubbery torso, and try to decide if we have a werewolf or a were-cat situation on our hands! We also question how much of this tragedy in mom's fault, that bummer of an ending, and...

Watch that lunar cycle, folks, because One Dark Fright is spending this full moon with 2000's hair-raising, dog-hating werewolf classic - GINGER SNAPS! There's so much to talk about with this one so we went ahead and split it into two parts for your listening pleasure. This is a jam-packed episode in which we discuss thrift store costuming, proper wig posture, the worst high school pot dealer ever, motherly menstrual energy, and tons more! We also try figure out how to layer up and still be sexy in Canada, debate how these two sisters could possibly be related, and...

Alright, foodies, it's time to tie on your bibs and get messy because we're chomping into Larry Cohen's delectable satire, THE STUFF! In this episode we dissect all the ins and outs of a killer dessert while pondering riverside diners, porn advertising, shady ice cream business men, and the proper way to say "Eat it!" Along the way we discuss Moe Rutherford's grand plan (or lack thereof) and lament why we don't get to spend more time with the best character in the movie - Chocolate Chip Charlie! It's a packed show that might have you asking "Would I...

Grab your nighties and your favorite power tools, kids, because we're going all-in on 1982's driller killer classic, THE SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE! On this episode we wade into the minute details and discuss all the lurid goodies including the creative team behind the mayhem, anemic serial killers, prison shower etiquette, phallic drilling, slumber party negligee, proper peacock behavior, and unlikely romantic couples. We also try to figure out who the protagonist of this movie is and why two main characters are even in it, and we discover how Hooters found their signature look! Come on by, and don't forget...

It's SCREAM week, y'all, and your humble hosts, Ainslie, Rebecca, and Tim are taking a dark plunge into the depths of SCREAM 3! In this episode we ponder if Cotton is actually made of 100% cotton, then talk rejected Spice Girl outfits, dreamy detectives, proper cigarette etiquette, Scooby Doo mysteries, and of course - micro bangs! We also try to figure out if Sidney is made of plastic and find ourselves drowning in the cesspool that is Hollywood. Naturally, we discuss part 3's relation to the rest of the franchise and how we rank the series so...Spoiler Warning! Join us...

Welcome to the One Dark Fright Podcast! Join Ainslie Pompey, Rebecca Kintner, and Tim Waverla as we plot a course through the depths of horror cinema, discussing the good, the bad, and the gory with plenty of jokes to go around. It's the very first episode and we're getting down and dirty with the bloody yuletide slasher SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT! Along the way we discuss gratuitous boobs, creepy Christmas music, stockroom kimonos, nun BDSM, awkward pool table sex, and marvel at beefy moose-knuckle. We also delve into some, let's call them "odd", interpretations of Catholicism and wonder aloud...